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Nokia's GSM technology - the foundation for Telecom Finland's new innovative dual band service
March 30, 1998
Using Nokia technology, Telecom Finland has launched a new service based on a GSM 900 and GSM 1800 dual band network, the GSM Duo service. This service, which is the first new service based on dual band networks, will work in all Telecom Finland's GSM 900 and GSM 1800 reception areas in Finland and will also allow roaming to both GSM 900 and GSM 1800 networks abroad.
"As most mobile phones will operate on two or more frequencies in the future, there are very good growth opportunities for this service. We were looking for a supplier who provided a solution with a clear growth-path for future developments in GSM 900 and GSM 1800, as well having an awareness of the importance of dualband," states Mr Matti Makkonen, Executive Vice President of Telecom Finland's Mobile Communications.
"Adding GSM 1800 to our existing GSM 900 network was extremely simple" Mr. Makkonen continues, "We were able to upgrade some of our existing sites by simply adding new GSM 1800 transceivers into the existing Nokia GSM 900 cabinets. This gave us a great deal of flexibility when it came to integrating the two frequency bands, particularly on sites where we had space restrictions"
"Many operators are implementing dual band services in order to enhance capacity. Telecom Finland's Duo is the first new service based on dual band. This is a clear indication of the shift by mobile operators to differentiate themselves, by offering value-added features, such as those included in the Duo Service. Telecom Finland's choice of Nokia's proven GSM technology as the basis of this solution, once again confirms our understanding of the GSM market needs and proves our capability as a world-leading GSM supplier," states Mr. Olli Oittinen, Vice President, Radio Access Systems, Nokia Telecommunications.
"The Nokia approach to dual band has been to make it as simple and cost efficient for operators as possible", says Olli Oittinen. "It is done simply by adding new transmitters and receivers or a new cabinet at the site and that is all; all the other network elements, such as the base station controller and network management are shared."
The Duo service will operate two "near zones". Customers can select one near zone as their own. The number of near zones will increase at a later date as the GSM 1800 network expands. The lower near-zone pricing means that the service will be suitable for those who make most of their calls within the near zone. Outside one's own near zone, however, the cost of calls will be slightly higher than current prices.
Nokia has delivered dual band network base stations to a number of the world's leading operators. Nokia was the first manufacturer to gain type approval for a dual band base station and is still the only supplier with this product available.
Nokia offers total GSM systems, with everything from digital mobile phones to transmission and switching. Having supplied GSM technology to 67 operators in 35 countries, Nokia ranks as the world's largest supplier of GSM 1800 networks and one of the two largest in GSM 900.
Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is a broad-scope telecommunications company supplying mobile phones, mobile and fixed telecommunications networks, data communications solutions, multimedia terminals and computer monitors. With sales in 130 countries, net sales totaled FIM 52.6 billion ($9.8 billion) in 1997. Nokia employs more than 36,000 people worldwide.
Further information:
Nokia Telecommunications, Communications Department
Tel. (Int.) + 358 9 5113 8193
Fax (Int.) + 358 9 5113 8199
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